The countdown is over for the 2017 London Marathon as elite and amateur runners alike take to the capital's streets for one of the world's most famous races today.

Runners from around the world are gathering in the southeast of the capital to take on the iconic 26.2 miles course today.

All runners have their own motivation, whether it's to achieve a lifelong dream of finishing or winning one of the elite races.

Others are doing it for charity or in their wackiest costumes.

Here's all you need to know about the 2017 edition.

When is the London Marathon?

The 37th annual London Marathon takes place on Sunday, April 23.

Athletes begin the mass start (Image: Getty Images Europe)

What time does the London Marathon start?

The starting gun will first sound for the wheelchair race, which gets under way bright and early at 9am. They will be followed out of the blocks by the Paralympic runners taking part in the IPC Athletics Marathon World Cup.

The Elite Women's group will leave the gate at 9:20am.

And last but not least, the Elite Men's group, along with the thousands of fun runners, will depart at 10am.

A man runs as a hot dogs in the 2016 edition (Image: Getty Images)

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What is the route?

The famous route can be seen on our interactive map below, which was kindly supplied by Esri UK .

Where can I watch on TV?

The BBC's multi-platform coverage will cover all angles of the race.

Viewers can follow the action on the Red Button, with a range of commentaries and angles from the elite races to the finish line for all runners. The traditional mainstream coverage will be on BBC One.